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An Indian national was arrested and charged with sexual assault of a female passenger on a Perth-bound international flight.
Australian Federal Police and Western Australia Police Force said that the 52-year-old man was arrested and charged with “non-consensual sexual acts” on Monday April 13, 2026, and produced before a local magistrate.
The Western Australian reported that the man, identified as Sudhir Kumar Chahuan, was remanded to custody and is scheduled to appear before the court on Friday.
AFP Arrest Indian National At Perth Airport
Australian Federal Police and the Western Australia Police Sex Assault Squad allege said the alleged incident occurred mid-flight during an international Scoot flight TR16 from Singapore to Perth.
The female passenger reported the incident to the cabin crew, who promptly relocated her to another seat.
The crew monitored the suspect for the remainder of the trip. Airline staff alerted the AFP before landing.
AFP officers met the flight upon arrival at Perth Airport and escorted the accused from the aircraft for questioning.
Zero Tolerance, Says AFP
The man has been charged under Commonwealth aviation laws with one count of sexual intercourse without consent—punishable by up to 12 years in prison—and three counts of acts of indecency without consent, each carrying maximum penalties of seven years.
AFP Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal reaffirmed the Force’s “zero tolerance” toward criminal behaviour in airports and aircraft.
“No act of indecency on an aircraft or at an airport is appropriate, and any travellers who break the law will be dealt with swiftly,” said Brindal.
“Every passenger has the right to feel safe when travelling, especially when confined in an aircraft close to other passengers. Anyone subjected to unwanted contact is encouraged to alert the authorities, be it airline staff, the AFP or airport security, as soon as it is safely possible to do so,” added Brindal.
